Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Lassie arrived late afternoon at the State Capitol and went right to the top. No, not to the Governator, but to Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod, Chairwoman of the Local Government Committee that will hear bill AB 1634 on Wednesday morning. Nearly 1000 Californians are expected to show up for a hearing in a room that only holds 60 people. Sounds like a morning on a Los Angeles freeway!

Lassie then went calling on Legislators seeking their opposition to the bill that many are calling "the Pet Extinction Act". Lassie is really Laddie, a 7 year old massive specimen of a collie, and certainly a fine actor since he has been cast as a female dog! This is a continuation of the tradition to use a male to represent the beloved Lassie, American icon of family values and courage. And the answer is yes to the question to whether Laddie is an intact male. Her owner, world famous dog trainer, Bob Weatherwax, heir to 65 years of Lassie lore and legend, plans to breed Laddie in the near future to insure another generation of the unique collies. The Weatherwax collies are not registered since they all carry the trait of a large white blaze on the head that collies registered with the American Kennel Club do not bear. Senators and aides alike agreed that this marking was one of Laddie's best features! This unique line of collies would not be eligible for exemptions under the complex mandates of AB 1634.

Accompanying Lassie and Weatherwax was Jon Provost who played "Timmy" on one of the longest running shows in television history, over 20 years! Mr. Provost charmed all with his timeless boyish good looks as he spoke eloquently not only for Lassie but also all the mutts of California who are more often used for canine assistance dogs than purebreds due to cost and availablity. Mr. Provost is a honorary member on the Board of Canine Companions for Independence. Laddie is also trained and certified as a service dog.

The halls at the Capitol thronged with admirers and fans as Lassie brought them all to their knees for close-up photos snapped with the world's most famous dog that has been a favorite of Hollywood and one of California's best known icons.

It remains to be seen if even our beloved Lassie will fall victim to this far over-reaching leislation. In Bob Weatherwax's words, "It's like casting your net for tuna, and then pulling in a bunch of dolphins." We agree, it's just not right -- for California. Let's hope this ends as all the episodes in the past, with Lassie coming to the rescue!

WE DID IT! AB1654 has been euthanized. But don't get too complacent - PETA will resurrect it again in some other guise. Thanks to everyone who wrote letters, made phone calls and jammed faxes to defeat this.